KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team will turn their attention to the Canada West playoffs following a 66-59 defeat at the hands of the visiting Victoria Vikes in their regular season finale on Saturday at The Furnace.

The Heat's two leader scorers, Jaeli Ibbetson (Kelowna, B.C.) and Sofia Ainsa Lluch (Mahon, Spain), both got into foul trouble early into the game. Down as many as 20 points, the Heat mounted an improbable comeback attempt in the second half, closing the gap to as little as four, but strong interior defence from the Vikes prevented UBCO from coming all the way back.

Ainsa Lluch would finish the game with a team-high 17 points and five assists, while Ibbetson added to her single-season scoring record with a 15 point double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds and four blocks. Ibbetson will finish the season with a program-best 322 points.

Former Heat and Kelowna-born Kate Johnson scored 21 points for her Vikes while recording nine rebounds and five assists as the senior played her last game in the gym where her Canada West career began over five years ago.

Prior to the game, the Heat honoured their lone graduating senior, Alessia Brutto (Bassano Del Grappa, Italy), with a pre-game presentation. She would finish her final contest on home court with two points, five assists and one steal.

TOP PERFORMERS
Kelsey Falk - UBCO Heat
The guard from Vernon, B.C., recorded her second-consecutive double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. With 10 offensive rebounds, she tied Ibbetson's 2020 mark for most in a Heat game while procuring a career-best five steals.

Abigail Becker - Victoria Vikes
The 6-4 forward broke the 20-point mark for the third time this season, dropping 21 while shooting 10-of-19 from the field. Three of her career-high five blocks came in a shutdown fourth quarter and led her team to a bounce back victory. She also grabbed 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.

WHERE THEY SIT
The season-closing loss pulls the Heat to an even 10-10, tied for the most wins they have ever had in a season. The Vikes' win sees their record improve to 8-10 as they have two more games left in their regular season.

UP NEXT
The Heat will await the finale of the Canada West regular season to determine their opening round opponent in the playoffs. Stay tuned to GoHeat.ca for schedule information as it becomes available.